Ask the Experts

When an IUD is in the right place in your uterus, a string about one to two inches long hangs into your vagina. It’s possible for a partner to feel this string during sex, but the mucus in your cervix makes it difficult to notice. Click here to learn more about IUDs.

If you have an IUD and you or your partner can feel the hard part of the IUD, or either of you notices that the string feels longer than usual, it’s possible that the IUD has moved and needs to be put back in place by your health care provider. If that happens, you’ll need to use another form of birth control until your IUD gets put back in place.

Since the IUD has to be inserted into your uterus, you can only get one through a health care provider. In general, you don’t need your parent’s permission to get an IUD. But there might be certain locations where, for one reason or another, a health care provider will require parental permission. You can call your health care provider to find out about her or his policy. It’s also worth noting that getting an IUD can be really expensive if it’s not covered by health insurance — between $500 to $1,000 total. It’s a good idea to ask your health care provider ahead of time about cost, payment, and insurance.